NFL Betting: Chargers Dominate Hall of Fame Game

NEWSNFL
August 4, 2025

Lance Shines and Depth Emerges

 

The 2025 NFL preseason kicked off in Canton, Ohio, with the Los Angeles Chargers cruising to a 34-7 win over the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game. While stars like Justin Herbert, Derwin James Jr., and Khalil Mack sat out, Thursday night provided key opportunities for roster hopefuls and rising talents. With NFL Betting heating up and the NFL Odds market adjusting post-NFL Draft, performances like this could influence early-season outlooks.

 

Trey Lance Makes His Case

 

Trey Lance got the start at quarterback for Los Angeles and took full advantage, going 13-for-20 for 120 yards and two touchdowns. He only took one sack and avoided turnovers, showing improved decision-making. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman leaned on play-action calls to keep Lance comfortable, often rolling him outside the pocket. Lance responded by hitting easy checkdowns when necessary and executing timely downfield passes.

One of Lance’s best moments came early when he connected with tight end Will Dissly on a bootleg touchdown, dropping the pass over Lions safety Loren Strickland. On another drive, he chose a smart checkdown to Jaret Patterson for a six-yard gain, bypassing a riskier throw to Oronde Gadsden between defenders. Harbaugh and Roman have emphasized turnover prevention in camp, and Lance is absorbing the lesson.

Lance also took vertical shots. He hit rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith on a go route for a 28-yard gain, the Chargers’ longest play of the day. On a later drive, Lance found Lambert-Smith again on a slant for a touchdown, delivering from a true dropback without play-action support. 

Lance has been running ahead of Taylor Heinicke in camp, and his performance against Detroit solidifies his standing as Herbert’s backup. Heinicke is expected to get his chance in the Chargers’ next game versus the New Orleans Saints on August 10.

 

Zion Johnson Shows Promise at Center

 

Zion Johnson debuted at center after transitioning from guard. His start was rocky. A high snap and a failed exchange with Lance marred the opening drive. However, Johnson settled quickly and contributed significantly in both run and pass protection.

On a key play in the first quarter, Johnson displayed awareness and poise. He picked up Lions lineman Chris Smith, then reacted mid-play to a blitzing linebacker. Johnson passed Smith to right guard Jamaree Salyer and walled off Grant Stuard, giving Lance the time and pocket to hit Lambert-Smith downfield. The Chargers hope Johnson’s move to center helps him better recognize blitzes, a past weakness. Despite early snap concerns, he showed substantial progress.

 

Reed, Murphy Bolster Defensive Depth

 

Rookie cornerback Nikko Reed stood out as the most impactful defender. He broke up a pass on second-and-18 by jarring the ball loose from Dominic Lovett, a technique he’s frequently executed during training camp. 

Later in the first quarter, Reed intercepted a weak throw from Kyle Allen and returned it 60 yards. He also pressured the quarterback on a blitz and added two special teams tackles. If Reed continues this level of play, he’ll be difficult to leave off the 53-man roster.

Edge rusher Caleb Murphy is another player trending toward a roster spot. He opened the game on special teams and made an immediate impact by stopping Stuard on the kickoff. The tackle allowed safety Kendall Williamson to force a fumble. 

Murphy was also solid against the run, recording two tackles, including one for loss. He’s currently ahead of rookie Kyle Kennard on the depth chart and may stick thanks to his value on special teams.

 

Lions Struggle Without Key Contributors

 

Detroit was outmatched in all phases. Many starters sat, including Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, David Montgomery, and Jameson Williams. That left Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen handling quarterback duties. Allen’s pick-six and lack of zip on sideline throws defined the night.

The Lions are adjusting to coaching turnover, as Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn left for head coaching jobs. John Morton now leads the offense, while Kelvin Sheppard runs the defense. Execution lacked polish, with miscommunications and turnovers plaguing both sides of the ball.

Detroit’s injuries also mounted. Defensive end Josh Paschal remains on the non-football injury list, while Taylor Decker, Khalil Dorsey, Miles Frazier, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Mekhi Wingo are all on PUP. Levi Onwuzurike is out for the year following surgery, and Alim McNeill is sidelined for at least part of the regular season. Terrion Arnold left Tuesday’s practice early with a hamstring issue.

Campbell, now 5-8 in preseason games as a head coach, didn’t have the depth to keep up. Detroit fell to 1-3 in Hall of Fame Games. This one exposed gaps in their second and third units that must be addressed before Week 1.

 

NFL Betting Impact 

 

Thursday’s result gives bettors a first glimpse into 2025 preseason trends. With the Chargers favored slightly in the NFL betting odds market before kickoff, the lopsided result reflects positively on Harbaugh’s depth development and could impact early win total markets.

Lance’s precision and calm presence elevate the confidence behind the Chargers’ quarterback room. Reed and Murphy’s defensive play suggests the team’s second unit is capable of generating turnovers and maintaining intensity. Johnson’s adaptation to center further strengthens the offensive line core.

For NFL Betting markets, this game provided actionable takeaways. The Chargers’ backups outplayed expectations, while the Lions’ coaching changes and injury depth will likely weigh into early spreads and totals. With both teams resting most starters, depth and execution were the defining factors, and the Chargers delivered.

Look for continued movement in NFL Odds as more preseason games reveal roster clarity. For now, the Chargers take the first win of the preseason slate and build momentum heading toward August 10.

 

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